With over 2 500 miles done on the theoretical direct route in the wake of the protagonists leading The Charente-Maritime/Bahia Transat 6.50, there is no serious verdict for the rankings of the day. When at the same moment, the solo sailors prepare themselves to face the feared Doldrums. Large manoeuvres for some, conservative wisdom for the others, have not yet help us to find out an undisputed favourite to be crowned in Bahia. So, Charlie Dalin (Cherche sponsor-charliedalin.com) for example, author of a western option since the start from Funchal, and which has long enjoyed a high credit of miles on his immediate pursuers (Series class) is now not in such a good position. Bertand Delesne (Entreprendre durablement), impressive leader fpor prototypes in the trade winds, just observed armless the thunderous return of Thomas Ruyant (Faber France). While – in a distant roar of the storm – the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone is approaching.
Thunder-squalls
While the trade winds gently „sinks“ for the sailors moving south of the archipelago of Cape Verde, the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone, potpourri of weather conditions that characterized the transition zone between the trade winds of the Northern hemisphere and Southern hemisphere, is present on both sides of the 10th parallel. Meteo Consult experts, partner of the race have reveal a very strong activity with storms, and heavy shower at over 45 knots. „Yves Le Blévec was in these same waters two years ago fifty miles ahead of his pursuers,“ said Hughes. „Adrien Hardy, before he dismasted, had nevertheless stole the top rank before the equator…“ Then, 50 or 5 miles ahead when sailors approach the Doldrums are no guarantee.
Apolloni the impatient
If we had a lot, and rightly, congratulated the current Series leader, Charlie Dalin, we also monitor the amazing and very nice Italian, Ricardo Appoloni who, with modesty and discretion, does on board his Pogo 2 „Ma vie pour Mapei“ a top performance, reducing his distance to the first to a few miles. Ricardo is known to be in the expectation of an imminent fatherhood. That is maybe why he is so impatient to join Salvador de Bahia. Two other French, Xavier Macaire (Masoco Bay) and Henri Meyniel (Beveac Consulting) are very well positioned for the crossing of the Doldrums. Xavier just slipped his Pogo 2 in third place, 18 miles behind the leader. He has benefited from starboard tack jibe by the Portuguese Francisco Lobato (ROFF TMN) to attempt a Western adventure. More conservative, Henry focuses on its route, playing with the oscillations of the wind to get south to a way point that was clearly pre-determined.
Thomas Ruyant’s moment
Thomas Ruyant knows his Finot Conq is very comfortable in the medium wind conditions. He just made a brilliant demonstration of it by taking the leadership last night. The windiest conditions ahead then may be more favourable to new generation prototypes such as those of Bertrand DELESNE (Ed, Manuard 2009) and Maisons de l’avenir Urbatys à Henri-Paul Schipman, a Lombard 2008. Thomas is, thus, sparing no efforts in the ferocious jibes duel he started since the islands of Cape Verde, with two formidable opponents remaining very close. He also knows that Després (Soitec), Le Diraison (Cultisol-Marins sans frontières) – that came back in 4th position, Boidevezi (Défi GDE) or Avram (Cap Monde 2), are terribly threatening. Everything remains to be done with the ITCZ as a playground.
Crowd in Mindelo
Eight sailors are at the moment in Mindelo trying to repair their minis enough to face the long way to Bahia. The Race Direction is hoping that Brice Aqué (CNTL Scuba sails) and François Amaury (Groupe Qualitel) will soon leave the ismand, in the wake of Bertrand Castelnérac (bcombio.com) that is already gone. The Norwegian Staale Jordan (Stormy) is the most concern, with a bow in very poor condition to repair with the limited resources available on the island. Already very distanced Maxence Desfeux (Matmut) and Caroline Vieille (Fondation Jérôme Lejeune) have also indicate their intention to stop…
Ranking at 3pm, Monday the 12th of October 2009:
Prototypes
1. Thomas Ruyant (Faber France): 1 646,72 miles from the finish
2. Bertrand Delesne (Entreprendre Durablement): 3,24 miles from the leader
3. Henri-Paul Schipman (Maisons de l’avenir Urbatys): 6, 34 miles from the leader
4. Stéphane le Diraison (Cultisol-Marins sans frontières): 30,89 miles from the leader
5. Fabien Després (Soitec): 30,93 miles from the leader …
Serie
1. Charlie Dalin (Cherche Sponsor-charliedalin.com): 1 737,53 miles from the finish
2. Ricardo Apolloni (Ma Vie pour Mapei): 7,43 miles from the leader
3. Xavier Macaire (Masoco Bay): 18,37 miles from the leader
4. Francisco Lobato (ROFF TMN): 24,31 miles from the leader
5. Luca Del Zozzo (Corradi): 41,89 miles from the leader …